‘The world just lost a lot of IQ points’: British physicist Stephen Hawking dies at 76

The physicist’s insights reshaped modern cosmology.

British physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking has died at the age of 76, BBC reported on Wednesday. Hawking, regarded as one of the most brilliant physicists ever, has worked on the origin of the universe and black holes and has inspired millions of people across the world.

“We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today,” a statement by his children said, according to The Guardian. “He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years. His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world.”

The statement continued: “He once said, ‘It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.’ We will miss him for ever.”

Hawking was born in Oxfordshire in January 1942. He studied physics at University College, Oxford and cosmology at Cambridge. He was diagnosed with a motor neuron disease called Lou Gehrig’s disease at the age of 21. He completed his doctorate despite doctors’ warning that he might not live for more than two years.

The disease, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS, gradually paralysed him, and he has used a wheelchair for decades. He used a device with a software that served as his electronic voice. Hawking was one of the longest survivors of the disease.

His bestselling books include A Brief History of Time, which sold over 10 million copies and was translated into 40 languages. He has also written popular books about the universe, including books for children with his daughter Lucy.

The 2014 biographical film The Theory of Everything, was based on Hawking’s life. Actor Eddie Redmayne, who played Hawking’s character, won an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Tributes have started to pour in for the physicist across social media, with many saying his death has left an “intellectual vacuum” in the world, and it is the loss of a “colossal mind”. Here are some reactions.

It had to happen, eventually. We were lucky to have him for so long, and I was lucky to be able to work with him. A truly fabulous human being. Stephen Hawking. Funny, perverse, and, of course, brilliant.

His passing has left an intellectual vacuum in his wake. But it's not empty. Think of it as a kind of vacuum energy permeating the fabric of spacetime that defies measure. Stephen Hawking, RIP 1942-2018. pic.twitter.com/nAanMySqkt

Remembering Stephen Hawking, a renowned physicist and ambassador of science. His theories unlocked a universe of possibilities that we & the world are exploring. May you keep flying like superman in microgravity, as you said to astronauts on @Space_Station in 2014 pic.twitter.com/FeR4fd2zZ5

We lost a great one today. Stephen Hawking will be remembered for his incredible contributions to science – making complex theories and concepts more accessible to the masses. He’ll also be remembered for his spirit and unbounded pursuit to gain a complet…https://t.co/z1du859Gy2

Extraordinary to think doctors gave Stephen Hawking no more than three years to live when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease aged 22. He lived for another 54 years. #RIPStevenHawkingpic.twitter.com/uaS7Gynbhf

This world will be a much poorer place without Professor Stephen Hawking. What an inspiration for so many. One of those stars twinkling in the sky tonight will remind me of that twinkle he always had in his eye. RIP pic.twitter.com/neW9ucdVki